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- Bach, J.S.
- Stokowski, Leopold
Duration: 5 minutes
Description: The PRELUDE IN B MINOR, BWV 869, orchestrated for string orchestra by Leopold Stokowski, originates from Johann Sebastian Bach’s (1685–1750) Well-Tempered Clavier (Das Wohltemperirte Clavier), Book I, composed in 1722, a landmark collection. Bach’s closing PRELUDE IN B MINOR is among the most intricate and expansive in the set. Leopold Stokowski (1882–1977), renowned for his lush orchestral reimaginings of Bach, later arranged this Prelude for strings in the early-to-mid 20th century, clothing the keyboard writing in a warm, sustained sonority that reflects the Romantic orchestral tradition while preserving Bach’s structure. Although a specific premiere for this transcription is not firmly documented, Stokowski regularly performed such Bach orchestrations with major ensembles, and recordings—particularly those associated with his long collaboration with the Philadelphia Orchestra—played a significant role in bringing these adaptations to a wide public. Today Stokowski’s Bach transcriptions, including the PRELUDE IN B MINOR, remain occasional concert works and recording favorites. A count of 8.8.5.5.5 strings are included in the set. Reprint edition.